Systems and methods for administering an exercise program

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for facilitating an isometric contraction exercise regimen for many subjects across a network are provided. One or more exercise constraints are developed for a subject as a function of the medical health information of the subject. The subject performs a plurality of isometric contraction exercises using exercise equipment always in the presence of a personal fitness trainer thereby producing an exercise result. The exercise equipment has a strain gauge in order to impose exercise constraints in the one or more exercise constraints. A mandatory recovery period for the subject is then imposed. During this mandatory recovery period, the subject does not perform isometric contraction exercises. These steps are repeated using a new set of one or more exercise constraints that were refined based upon the exercise result of a previous isometric contraction exercise work out session.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention relates to the systems and methodsused to facilitate an isometric contraction exercise program forsubjects interested in improving their health and fitness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Experts in the field of sports medicine have identified the increasingproblem of exercise related injuries. G. O. Matheson, MD, Ph.D., andeditor of The Physician and Sports Medicine, wrote “Almost two decadesago, great attention was paid to physical fitness, technique, andequipment design as protective against injury. Hopes were high thatthese measures would reduce injuries. Yet according to recentstatistics, the incidence of injuries is at an all time high.” As anexample, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2001, reported acontinuing and escalating increase in sports/exercise participation dueto the baby boomer demographics. Not surprisingly, there has been acoincident increase in sports/exercise related injuries. This samereport documents sports and exercise injuries in the age group 35 to 54increasing about thirty-three percent between 1991 and 1998.Furthermore, recently released Frost and Sullivan Fitness IndustryStatistics show the phenomenal growth of people over 55 in fitnessalmost suggesting an emerging branch of “geriatric sports medicine.”

Existing fitness programs' lack of sustainability is also an increasingproblem in the fitness industry. Less than five percent of the UnitedStates population consistently maintains strength and fitness throughouttheir adult life. A multitude of fitness programs and centers have beendeveloped and literally countless fitness products have been promotedover the past 30 years, but many of these programs have largely beenunsatisfactory. Fitness Management Magazine, 2005 published Frost &Sullivan data stating that the average home exercise equipment is usedfor only one year, and the average fitness center membership lasts onlytwo years. These disappointing statistics support the argument that thefitness industry needs a new solution with safety, longevity andsustainability as its primary goal.

Moreover, almost without exception the fitness industry hasunderestimated the importance of allowing time for tissue recovery. As aresult, the potential benefits of exercise participation are oftenreduced and the chances of injury are increased. Furthermore, today'sfitness industry does not even generate or collect the type of dataneeded to calculate proper recovery periods, let alone have theequipment or business method and system to support it. The condition ofthe fitness industry is such that accurate data and repeatable data arenot available. Industry sources report that fitness equipment, ingeneral, is not accurate within fifty percent. Some manufactures areeven clearer, e.g., “makes no representations or warranties of any kind,with respect to merchantability of fitness or suitability for anygeneral or particular purpose, or of the results anticipated orexperienced in the use of such equipment, specifically including but notlimited to the accuracy or inaccuracy of any data provided by theequipment.”

The failure of existing fitness programs is clear and is evidenced bythe fact that even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts will oftenfail in their efforts to maintain fitness and strength. Common reasonsfor failure include schedule conflicts with personal and professionalcommitments, poorly contrived exercise routines producingdisappointingly slow or limited progress, the inherent limitations ofexisting home exercise equipment, the often-overwhelming inconvenienceor inadequacy of the local fitness facility, and perhaps the mostserious, frequent and disabling injuries.

Given the above background, what is needed in the art are improvedsystems and methods for implementing exercise programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides an improved exerciseprogram designed to increase individuals' strength and overall fitnesswhile minimizing the number of exercise-related injuries they may sufferin the process. Provided are components that collectively decrease thenumber of exercise related injuries. Such components include, but arenot limited to, (i) isometric contraction exercises that utilize customdesigned, solid state exercise equipment; (ii) mandatory recoveryperiods between equipment use; (iii) collection of medical andphysiological information before exercise participation; (iv) collectionof the exercise results and the use of such data to calculate anappropriate recovery time; (v) central processing of an exerciser'sincremental exercise results for the purpose of performance tracking aswell as the calculation of mandatory recovery periods; and (vii)provision of timely feedback and recommendations for customization ofindividualized exercise programs. These components work together toproduce an individualized, optimized, and safe muscle tissue developmentand fitness program, termed an isometric contraction model, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention.

As noted above, an aspect of the present invention makes use of amandatory recovery period. Among other advantages, this mandatoryrecovery period prevents injuries, and optimizes the body's ability todevelop skeletal muscle. Rest and recovery are essential to injury free,successful exercise. This is particularly true in strength building.Berardi and Mejia, in Scrawny to Brawny: The Complete Guide to BuildingMuscle the Natural Way, Rodale Inc., 2005, hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, state that it takes about seven to fourteendays for the body's immune system to rebuild muscle fibers broken downduring exercise. More importantly, during this process these musclefibers are rebuilt even stronger than the fibers that existed beforeexercise began.

The present invention further provides convenient scheduling andpersonal training in a private setting, utilizes isometric contractionson solid state fitness equipment, and analyzes the exerciser's medicalinformation so that the proper amount of muscle tissue recovery anddevelopment time can be determined for each exerciser at everyappointment. By providing for a mandatory recovery time between exerciseappointments and custom-tailoring, the length of the recovery time isadjusted to the physiological needs of the individual. As such, thesystems and methods of the present invention ameliorate the increasingproblem of exercise-related injuries.

In addition, by utilizing the isometric contraction model, also known asthe maximum static contraction method, as a primary exercise regimen,this invention provides a convenient and effective exercise program forits participants. Numerous authors in both fitness and medicalliterature have documented the effectiveness of the maximum staticcontraction method of strength and fitness training. This model hasconvincingly been shown to improve muscle metabolic efficiency andoptimize energy utilization, as well as minimize the inevitable musclemass loss associated with the normal aging process. Muscle massmaintenance can then indirectly prevent weight gain by maintaining thehigher basal metabolic rate associated with this increased muscle mass.The key is a combination of optimal muscle effort to stimulate growthand development while allowing adequate rest for complete recovery. Theimportance of recovery is emphasized by M. Doug McGuff, MD, MaximizeYour Training, Brzycki (ed.), McGraw-Hill, hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, who states “In general, we have found that 7days of recovery is long enough for most, and is not too long foranyone.” Furthermore, this invention's exercise program also onlyrequires a minimal amount of the exerciser's time, which is likely toincrease the exerciser's long-term commitment to the program.

Thus, prior to this invention's exercise program and administrativesystem, there was no science-based, physical fitness system availablethat combines ultimate safety with convenience and sustainability. Thisinvention addresses each and every aspect of strength development frominjury reduction and/or elimination, to the retention of exercisers'interest as they progress in the program and their need for physicalfitness grows more important year by year.

The present invention, seeks to change the way that individuals get inshape by providing a new method of strength training that only requiresa minimal amount of time and virtually no sweat from its participants.Moreover, this invention challenges many of the fitness industry'scurrent trends by creating a sustainable strength training program thatappeals to a much broader population base while promising to reduceinjury risk factors. This program refutes the premise that injury isimplicit to sport while making advances in addressing an important issuein sports medicine—increasing obesity and diminishing fitness in anaging society. This invention also aims to teach maturing adults thatwhile a working heart is essential to life, skeletal muscle strength isalso needed to enjoy it. Consequently, the systems and methods inaccordance with the present invention target individuals interested inimproving their health and fitness, but unsatisfied with existingexercise programs by providing a sustainable, time-efficient, andsafety-conscious alternative to conventional fitness programs.

To achieve the aforementioned goals, the systems and methods of thepresent invention utilize a relatively new muscle-building concept knownas the “isometric contraction” method, or the maximum static contractionmethod, to help exercisers build skeletal muscle strength. Unlikeconventional programs that implement highly repetitive resistancetraining (using free weights) programs, this invention's isometriccontraction methodology uses relatively infrequent maximum musclecontractions to build skeletal muscles. Furthermore, this isometriccontraction exercise regimen is followed by a new rest and recoverytechnique that is monitored by the invention's custom software andcentral data processing system.

Exercisers in this program perform any combination of at least fourdifferent isometric contraction exercises: bench presses, leg presses,bent rows, and deadlifts. All of these exercises are performed onsolid-state exercise equipment designed specifically for this businessmethod invention. For the purposes of this invention, “solid-state”equipment means exercise equipment that has few or no moving parts. Inother words, unlike traditional exercise equipment, solid-stateequipment does not require an exerciser to lift blocks of weights up anddown. Rather, exercisers in accordance with the present invention createpressure on the equipment while either sitting or standing. As thepressure increases, the exerciser must hold the position as long aspossible. The exerciser releases the equipment when their muscles can nolonger withstand the pressure. After the equipment is released, thefinal force exerted by the exerciser is determined and used as a basisfor future exercises.

One of the advantages of the present invention is use of the principleof placing extreme stress on a particular fully contracted muscle groupin order to make the muscle group stronger when it regenerates.Therefore, the momentary muscle failure experienced by an exerciser'sexperience in this static contraction program is, in fact, just a meansof stimulating the exerciser's muscles to develop and grow.

Optimal muscle development is central to the purpose of the program,improved strength and fitness for its exercisers. This program takes asits premise the principle that muscle mass at rest burns more caloriesthan fat or non-muscle tissue. In fact, if one gains ten pounds ofmuscle, this extra muscle will burn the caloric equivalent of runningfive miles a day, seven days a week. Thus, by participating in thismuscle building program, exercisers will essentially be able toconcomitantly increase both their muscle mass and their metabolic rate.

However, in order to achieve optimal muscle development, the systems andmethods of the present invention also utilize strategic rest periodsbetween exerciser's exercise appointments. In order to attain theoptimal rest period, this program relies on its custom software programsto analyze each exerciser's performance and determine how much recoverytime is needed. An important aspect of the present invention isoptimization of the rest interval between exercises in order to allowmuscles to properly rehabilitate without the threat of injury.

Taking into account an average rest period, exercisers enrolled in aprogram in accordance with the present invention need only visit anenterprise office once every other week for a few minutes in order tocomply with the inventive regimen. Furthermore, exercisers typically donot even have to change into exercise clothing in order to engage in theprogram because the exercises in accordance with the present inventiontypically do not cause a person to break a sweat. Thus, the inventiveprogram requires a substantially smaller time commitment than many knownexercise programs. Therefore, a large number of people who were unableto stay committed to such known fitness programs will benefit from theexercise regimens of the present invention.

In addition to identifying the optimum rest period for each exerciser,this invention's unique equipment, software, and central data system arealso components of an overall administrative system. For instance, theequipment used in the present invention accurately collect exerciseresults. Such results can be viewed on a graphical display during theexercise appointment and/or any time after the appointment via anenterprise website. This data is also used to identify the optimumexercise regimen for the exerciser's next exercise appointment,including maximum force and the optimum amount of time the exercisershould wait before the next exercise session.

In addition to facilitating appointment scheduling, the centralizedprocessing system offered in embodiments of the present invention alsofully supports internal physiological research, administration of theenterprise, electronic billing and merchant banking, and further allowsa plurality of exercisers in disparate locations (e.g., across town,state, or country) to have their medical information encrypted andtreated confidentially.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of facilitating anisometric contraction exercise regimen for a subject. The methodcomprises developing one or more exercise constraints as a function ofthe medical health information of the subject. Next, the subjectperforms a plurality of isometric contraction exercises using exerciseequipment in the presence of a fitness trainer thereby producing a setof exercise results. The exercise equipment has one or more straingauges in order to impose or monitor exercise constraints in the one ormore exercise constraints. A mandatory recovery period is imposed forthe subject after performing the plurality of isometric contractionexercises during which time the subject does not perform isometriccontraction exercises. The exercises interspersed between mandatoryrecovery periods are repeated using a new set of one or more exerciseconstraints that are refined based upon previous exercise results. Inpreferred embodiments, the fitness trainer is not assigned to any othersubjects when the subject is performing exercises supervised by thefitness trainer.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a computer programproduct for use in conjunction with a computer system. The computerprogram product comprises a computer readable storage medium and acomputer program mechanism embedded therein. The computer programmechanism comprises instructions for receiving medical healthinformation of a subject enrolled in an isometric contraction exerciseregimen. The computer program mechanism further comprises instructionsfor developing one or more exercise constraints as a function of themedical health information of the subject. The computer programmechanism further comprises instructions for receiving an exerciseresult from a plurality of isometric contraction exercises that wereperformed by the subject using exercise equipment in the presence of afitness trainer. The exercise equipment has a strain gauge in order toimpose or monitor exercise constraints in the one or more exerciseconstraints. Data from the strain gauge is found in the exercise result.The computer program mechanism further comprises instructions forcreating a mandatory recovery period for the subject after the subjecthas performed the exercises. The exerciser does not form isometriccontraction exercises during this recovery period. The computer programmechanism further comprises instructions for repeating theaforementioned instructions using a new set of one or more exerciseconstraints that were refined based upon previous exercise results.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a computer system forfacilitating an isometric contraction exercise regimen for a subject.The computer system comprises a central processing unit and a memory,coupled to the central processing unit. The memory stores a computerprogram mechanism. The computer program mechanism comprises instructionsfor receiving medical health information of a subject enrolled in anisometric contraction exercise regimen. The computer program mechanismfurther comprises instructions for developing one or more exerciseconstraints as a function of the medical health information of thesubject. The computer program mechanism further comprises instructionsfor receiving an exercise result from a plurality of isometriccontraction exercises that were performed by the subject using exerciseequipment in the presence of a fitness trainer. The exercise equipmenthas a strain gauge in order to impose or monitor exercise constraints inthe one or more exercise constraints. The data from the strain gauge isfound in the exercise result. The computer program mechanism furthercomprises instructions for creating a mandatory recovery period for thesubject during which time the subject does not perform isometriccontraction exercises. The computer program mechanism further comprisesinstructions for repeating the instructions for receiving, and theinstructions for creating using a new set of one or more exerciseconstraints that were refined based upon the exercise results of aprevious instance of the instructions for receiving.

Still another aspect of the invention provides an exercise apparatus forfacilitating an isometric contraction exercise regimen for a subject.The exercise apparatus comprises a casing, a strain gauge housed withinthe casing, a central processing unit housed within the casing, and amemory housed within the casing, coupled to the central processing unit,the memory storing a computer program mechanism. The computer programmechanism comprises instructions for receiving one or more exerciseconstraints. The one or more exercise constraints are determined as afunction of the medical health information of the subject by a remotecomputer. The computer program mechanism further comprises instructionsfor computing an exercise result from an isometric contraction exercisethat was performed by the subject using the exercise apparatus in thepresence of a fitness trainer. The exercise apparatus uses the straingauge in order to impose an exercise constraint in the one or moreexercise constraints. The computer program mechanism further comprisesinstructions for sending the exercise result to the remote computer aswell as instructions for repeating the aforementioned instructions usinga new set of one or more exercise constraints such that the set of oneor more exercise constraints are refined based upon the exercise resultsof a previous instance of the instructions for computing. Furthermore,the instructions for repeating are performed after a mandatory recoveryperiod for the subject that was determined by the exercise result of aprevious instance of the instructions for computing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS AND DRAWINGS

The present invention has many advantages and features that will be morereadily apparent from the diagrams, drawings, descriptions, and claimsthat follow.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for providing exercisers with improvedhealth and fitness through increased muscle strength that is achievedwithout the risk of injury in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a physician-assisted process for settingexercise constraints and goals, where collected medical informationdictates, allowing all acceptable exercisers to utilize the system, eachwith their own exercise program and prescribed recovery in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that shows a plurality of solid state exerciseequipment sets for collection of individual exerciser data, and the realtime display of strength training/testing results in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a database processing of exerciser medicaldata constraints, present exercise intensity, load/force, time,frequency and long term goal achievement, as well as the output fromrecovery specific algorithms, using the medical constraints as shown inFIG. 2 and current exercise data as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that shows a centralized business informationprocessing and business administration system, providing medicalinformation privacy to exercisers, progress information to exercisers,enterprise information, accounting, and administrative support from thenetwork/Internet/Intranet connected facility shown in FIG. 1, while alsoproviding appropriate exerciser information to physicians, employers,and insurance carriers.

FIGS. 6A-6J illustrate exercise results for individual exercisers thathave used the systems and methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are explained in the paragraphsthat follow. FIG. 1 illustrates novel systems and methods for providinga safer, more sustainable fitness and strength building program forexercisers 10. In this new exercise program an exerciser's health riskfactors are determined and then a unique fitness regimen 30 is fashionedfor the exerciser 10 based on the exerciser's current state of health.Each individualized exercise regimen 30 utilizes custom-designed,solid-state exercise equipment 40 designed to reduce exercise relatedinjuries.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments prospective exercisers 10 may bereferred to this exercise program by a physician 11 or any otherrecommender 12. Then, as shown in detail in FIG. 2, potential exercisers10 undergo an initial health risk prescreening process 21 beforebeginning their exercise regimen 30. In some embodiments, prescreeningprocess 21 is conducted with input from the exerciser's physician 11.

As summarized in FIG. 2, during the initial screening process 21 eachexerciser 10 describes any previous injuries to his or her arms, legsand spine, any previous surgery, any previous cardiac difficulties, e.g.arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), myocardial infarction (heart attack),previous cardiac surgery or other problems, any previously diagnosis ortreatment for hypertension, any medication currently being taken, anycurrent special diet, any nutritional supplements/health food productscurrently being taken, any unexpected or expected weight changes in thelast six months, any sustained injuries while participating in otherexercise programs, or any unusual family medical history. Takentogether, the exerciser's responses to the aforementioned questions ishereinafter referred to as “prescreening medical information” 20.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the aforementioned questionsare merely exemplary of a broad range of questions that could be asked.Furthermore, not all the aforementioned questions are required in orderto obtain a complete set of prescreening medical information 20. Uponcompletion of this prescreening process 21 and only when needed, someexercisers 10 may also be referred to a physician who can determine whatconstraints are medically necessary to create a safe and effectiveexercise program.

As shown in FIG. 2, prescreening medical information 20 and anynecessary physician's advice is then used to formulate anindividually-tailored exercise regimen 30 for each exerciser 10 thattakes into account their physical limitations and/or health riskfactors. A set of exerciser-specific exercise limits, hereinafterreferred to as exercise “constraint elements” 24, referred to hereinalso as “exercise constraints,” are created in this process. Fitness“goal elements” 23 that are compatible with his or her pre-determinedconstraint elements 24 are also created in this process. In someembodiments, the exerciser's constraint elements 24 and goal elements 23are transmitted via a network to a central data processing system 70(see, e.g., FIG. 5). In some embodiments, this transmission isencrypted.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, each exerciser 10 is alsoscreened on an appointment by appointment basis 22 (also referred toherein as “every appointment screening”). In the optional appointment byappointment screening process 22, each exerciser 10 optionally watchesan electronic presentation of certain pertinent health issues prior toexercise participation. In some embodiments, exerciser 10 also answersspecific questions during this process, such as: (i) have you sustainedany new injuries to your arms, legs, or spine that can impair yourability to engage in the exercise program; (ii) have you experienced anynew or different medical problems, including light-headedness ordizziness, that can impair your ability to engage in the exerciseprogram, and (iii) do you have any reason to believe that your bloodpressure may have become elevated since your last reliable check, e.g.pounding of your heart, headaches, etc.? Response to question (iii) mayalso be used to determine whether the exerciser's blood pressure needsbe taken before exercising. One embodiment of the present inventionincludes the use of an on-site, automated, clinical quality bloodpressure measuring machine to measure the exerciser's blood pressurethat is electronically connected to the processing of the exerciser'sprivate medical data.

In some embodiments, each exerciser 10 uses a personal access code toanswer specific health questions that are displayed to the exerciser onan electronic display to ensure that the appointment by appointmentscreening process is completed. Furthermore, as a safeguard, anelectronically controlled system also can prevent an exerciser 10 fromexercising until all of these questions are answered. In some cases, ifany medical problem surfaces during the exerciser's participation in theprogram, the exerciser may also need to re-enter the prescreeningprocess 21 and provide additional medical information and specificmedical evaluations again.

In some embodiments, both the initial prescreening 21 and appointment byappointment screening 22 have injury prevention as their primaryobjective. As a result, in such embodiments, the exerciser's fitnessgoals and medical constraints dictate in large measure thecharacteristics of the customized exercise program developed by thepresent invention's administrative system.

In the present invention, fitness trainers are present with theexerciser 10 during the exercise regimen. As will be disclosed below,fitness trainers can perform several functions in this program.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the results of the initialprescreening 21 and/or the appointment by appointment screening process22 are presented to the personal trainer 30 and exerciser 10 before theexerciser 10 begins a new exercise session. It may also be the personaltrainer's 30 job to explain to each exerciser 10 the advantages of thisprogram's technology, equipment, and method of strength training as wellas highlight how the present invention departs from other typicalfitness programs that the exerciser 10 may have used previously. Thefitness trainer may also assist exercisers 10 and prevent them frominadvertently misunderstanding what they are doing and why, which canresult in the exerciser 10 realizing a very high value in this program.

In some embodiments of the present invention, exerciser 10 and theassociated personal fitness trainer are separated from other exercisers10 or environmental distractions. For example, they may be situated in aseparate cubicle or possibly even in a private room. Such an environmentenables the exerciser 10 to be freer to ask questions and conductexercise training or testing. Providing a real-time personal trainingregimen 30 in a private setting can also eliminate many of the problemsexercisers 10 currently have with the typical fitness industry programsbecause of the continuous expert oversight/motivation available to theexerciser 10 and the elimination of the social/psychological deterrentsof a “gym” or “fitness center” atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 4, in order to ensure the safety of this exerciseprogram, many moving parts have been removed from exercise equipmentused in the present invention. For example, unlike traditional fitnessequipment that is comprised of heavy metal weights, pulleys, cables,springs, levers, chains, etc., all of which are hazards for exercisers10 using such equipment 40, equipment in accordance with the presentinvention utilizes strain gauges 42 not weights in its structure, anddoes not have any moving parts that can fall and injure an exerciser 10.Removing the moving parts from this equipment also prevents exercisersfrom having to adjust the machines without proper instruction, which canoften lead to machine misuse, an improper exercise experience, or eveninjury.

In some embodiments of the present invention, exercisers 10 use customdesigned, solid state fitness equipment 40, referred herein also as an“exercise apparatus,” to exercise. FIG. 3 illustrates several differentembodiments of this equipment 41, 46 and also depicts a personperforming four of the exercises—dead lift, bent row, bench press, andleg press—that may be performed on this equipment. Advantageously, thesolid state fitness equipment 40 of the present invention enables aperson to perform these exercises by taking the relevant muscle groupsto failure while they are in a fully contracted state. Because fullycontracted muscle strength is maximized, in preferred embodiments of thepresent invention solid state fitness equipment 40 withstands 5,000pounds of exerciser applied load. Further, since no movement is requiredduring the exercises of the present invention, solid state fitnessequipment 40 must be configured such that exerciser 10 is in acomfortable position at all times in order to maximize the appliedloads. Since solid state fitness equipment 40 are no movement machines,they are configured to accommodate the anatomical differences amongexercisers 10. For this reason, a health advisor is present for theexercises conducted in accordance with the present invention to makeadjustments apart from any action taken by exerciser 10.

Equipment 40 used in the systems and methods of the present inventioncan have any combination of the following features. One such feature isa strain gauge. In some embodiments, this strain gauge is very accurateand makes equipment 40 easily adjustable for different exerciser bodytypes. In some embodiments, this strain gauge is enclosed by adjusterscrews 43 for safety. In some embodiments, equipment 40 has the featureof operating without any moving components. In some embodiments,equipment 40 has an electronic display that allows the exerciser 10 andtheir personal trainer to see, in real time, the exerciser's incrementalexercise results. In some embodiments, equipment 40 has the feature ofbeing specially designed to produce highly accurate and reproducibleexercise results. In some embodiments, equipment 40 has the feature ofbeing able to produce fitness training/testing results that areapproximately ten times more accurate than the current fitness industryequipment. In these embodiments, such results are used to produce eachexerciser's individualized exercise regimen 30 and to calculatecustomized required recovery periods 63 (e.g., FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, both the actual manner in which an exerciser 10exerts force on equipment 40 during an exercise session and the mannerin which these forces are measured, processed and combined withuser-specific medical information, produce a result not previouslysought by any health and fitness provider and one that is not currentlyavailable using traditional fitness equipment or fitness concepts.

In some embodiments, an exerciser 10 begins the exercise program bymaking an appointment at the enterprise site. In some embodiments, thisappointment is conducted in a professional manner and resembles adoctor's appointment in its formality. In some embodiments, the value ofthe exercise program is discussed with the potential exerciser 10.

If the exerciser 10 finds the information given in the initialappointment satisfactory, they may then choose to sign up for theprogram. In some embodiments, the exerciser 10 provides certain requiredgeneral information, which may include health status, prescreeningmedical information 20, and identification information. In addition toproviding health and contact information, the exerciser 10 may also giveappropriate billing information for the centralized electronic billingprogram 75 (FIG. 5). In some cases, exerciser 10 may also need to get aphysician's approval to sign up for the program. The first appointmentis approximately thirty minutes long in some embodiments. Exerciser 10is then assigned an administrative identity. In some embodiments, thisidentity is encoded on an identification card capable of interfacingwith the present invention's administrative system.

In some embodiments, a fitness trainer begins to provide exerciser 10with further instructions and information about the program, includinginformation about the exercise types, equipment 40, data collectionmethods and recovery periods 63 that comprise this program once theinitial appointment is complete. In other embodiments, exerciser 10schedules a second appointment where he or she will perform the fullexercise regimen 30 in the presence of a fitness trainer. In someembodiments, this second appointment is twenty minutes or less.

The present invention's exercise regimen 30 utilizes exercises based onthe isometric contraction method of exercise. The exercises performed inthe present invention are heretofore referred to as “isometriccontraction exercises.” An isometric contraction exercise is an exercisein which an exerciser positions one or more muscle groups in a fullycontracted state and creates an increasing amount of force while the oneor more muscle groups are kept in the fully contracted state until theone or more muscle groups fail to create any more force (musclefailure). As such, isometric contraction exercises cause a muscle toexert force but do not cause the muscle to change in length. Isometriccontraction exercises require maximum muscle contraction and requirespecific muscle groups to create increasing amounts of force until themuscle groups fail to create anymore force.

In some embodiments, regimen 30 includes several different types ofisometric contraction exercises. In some embodiments, exercisers 10initially engage in less complex isometric isometric contractionexercises, and then more demanding multi-isometric contraction exercisesas the exercise regimen progresses.

In some embodiments, the isometric contraction exercises work all majormuscle groups thereby achieving a full body workout. In someembodiments, exercisers 10 perform four isometric contraction exercises:bench presses, leg presses, bent rows, and dead lifts as seen in FIG. 3.In each of these isometric contraction exercises, the relevant musclegroups are maintained in the fully contracted state while creatingincreasing amounts of force until muscle failure is achieved. In somecases, all of these exercises are performed on solid-state exerciseequipment 40 designed specifically to allow the exerciser to fullycontract the relevant muscle groups while creating increasing amounts offorce with the fully contracted muscle groups.

A description of isometric contraction exercises in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention will now be described. A goal ofeach of these isometric contraction exercises is to achieve the maximumlevel of muscle fiber involvement. Without intending to be limited toany particular theory, the isometric contraction exercises are based onthe observations that (i) muscle fibers contract by reducing theirlength; (ii) a muscle is in the fully contracted (peak position) whenall the fibers of the muscle are contracted simultaneously; and (iii) toget all the fibers of a muscle to contract at the same time, a loadintense enough to activate all of the muscle's fibers needs to beimposed. The four basic isometric contraction exercises described hereare improved versions of traditional compound, multi-joint exercises.

Bench press isometric contraction exercise. The exerciser's properposition for the bench press isometric contraction exercise of thepresent invention requires the exerciser to be in a sitting position,with arms positioned in a horizontal plane passing through the shoulderjoints, and holding about 2-3 inches short of where the arms are fullyextended, the strongest part of the exercise. In this position, anexerciser can go to failure using one hundred percent of muscle fiber inthe triceps, deltoids, and the pectorals. The exercise begins and endsin this position and there is only nominal movement due to compressionof connective tissues within the body as well as the pad which sitsbehind the exerciser.

Leg press isometric contraction exercise. The exerciser's properposition for the leg press isometric contraction exercise of the presentinvention requires the exerciser to be seated upright and in no way semisupine. The exerciser is positioned in a seat with a high back and handgrips which is held to avoid riding up in the seat when performing theexercise. The upright positioning is dictated by the need to allow womenin street clothes, who may possibly be wearing a skirt to avoid havingher legs in an upright position at any time. When the exercise isperformed the exerciser's legs are 4-6 inches from the position wherethe legs would otherwise be fully extended, the strongest part of theexercise. In this range an exerciser can go to failure using one hundredpercent of muscle fiber in the quadriceps and the gluteus maxims. Theexercise begins and ends in this position and there is only nominalmovement due to compression of connective tissues within the body aswell as the pad which sits behind the exerciser.

Bent row isometric contraction exercise. The exerciser's proper positionfor the bent row isometric contraction exercise of the present inventionrequires the exerciser to stand with legs close to the bar to be lifted.The bar is positioned 2-3 inches above the exerciser's knee. Theexerciser performing the bent row isometric contraction exercise mustkeep the bar almost touching the bottom of the rib cage as the exerciseris in a bent knee stance and has the upper body tilted forward at a 45degree angle. In this range, an exerciser can go to failure using onehundred percent of muscle fiber in the biceps brachia, and thelatissimus dorsi. The exercise begins and ends in this position andthere is only nominal movement due to compression of connective tissueswithin the body.

Deadlift isometric contraction exercise. The exerciser's proper positionfor the deadlift isometric contraction exercise of the present inventionrequires the exerciser to stand close to the deadlift bar, where the baris located 2-3 inches above the exerciser's knee, and at the top mostposition where the bar is laying against the thighs and is being grippedso that the load is taken by a pulling motion as the center of gravityis close to the body, this results in the exerciser having properbalance and contraction of almost every muscle on the back side of thebody. In this position, an exerciser can go to failure using one hundredpercent of the muscle fiber in the hamstrings, spinal erectors,trapezius, abdominals, calves, and forearms. The exercise begins andends in this position and there is only nominal movement due tocompression of connective tissues within the body.

In the present invention, exercisers 10 use their muscles to create aforce resisted and measured by equipment 40. In some embodiments, straingauges on exercise equipment 40 are utilized to measure the amount offorce used in the isometric contraction exercise. In other embodiments,the strain gauges monitor the amount of force exerciser 10 isvoluntarily creating. In some instances, exerciser 10 creates pressurewhile they are sitting or standing.

In some embodiments, exerciser 10 creates the increasing force as longas possible. The exerciser 10 releases equipment 40 when the exerciser'stargeted muscle groups cannot withstand the pressure any longer. In someembodiments, after the exerciser 10 releases equipment 40, the presentinvention's computer systems and software are designed to measure themaximum force the exerciser 10 was able to create. The maximum force isan example of one form of “exercise result” in accordance with thepresent invention. In other embodiments, the number of repetitions theexerciser completes is an exercise result. In still other embodiments,the length of time that the exerciser created the force is an exerciseresult.

In some embodiments, exerciser 10 can view graphical displays ofexercise results both during the exercise appointment and/or any timeafter the exercise appointment via the enterprise website 78 (FIG. 5).In some embodiments, this information is also be available on a display45 that is attached to exercise equipment 40 as illustrated in FIG. 3.In addition, in some embodiments, each exerciser may visually see theincremental progress made on an appointment by appointment basis 61,and/or the progress made against long term goal elements 62 (FIG. 4). Insome instances, the exerciser's exercise results are transferred via anetwork in an encrypted manner to a central data processing system 70.In one embodiment of the present invention, exercisers 10 initiallybuild strength at a rapid rate, but then their strength gains are sloweddown due to physical limitations which could include, but are notlimited to, lack of progress in their bench press exercise progress orinability for their hands to handle the load that is put upon them. Insuch embodiments, the intensity of the exercise regimen 30 is slightlydecreased. The intensity of the program is restored by concurrently (i)increasing the number of consecutive contractions and (ii) decreasingthe amount of time allotted to complete such contractions. In someembodiments, an exerciser's regimen 30 is determined by firstcalculating a force number that is below their maximum isometricload/force. Then a determination is made as to how many times they canhit that load/force number. As the client progresses, higher contractionnumbers are chosen and progress is monitored by looking at how manycontractions can be achieved with the intended force in the shortesttime. These values are then compared to previous performances with thesame force applied. Progress in such an embodiment is graphicallyillustrated in FIG. 4 as graph 62.

Advantageously, exerciser 10 does not need to change clothing to performthe present invention's exercises, and may in fact perform them in anyclothing. In some embodiments, exercisers 10 can arrive comfortably intheir street clothing, and leave a few minutes later looking like theydid when they arrived for their appointment. In some embodiments, acomplete exercise appointment lasts twenty minutes or less, fifteenminutes or less, ten minutes or less, or even five minutes or less.After completing an exercise regimen 30, the exerciser 10 waits aspecified amount of time, which allows the body to recover and thendevelop additional skeletal muscle, before completing another exerciseregimen 30. This period of time where the exerciser performs noisometric contraction exercises is referred herein as the “recoveryperiod” 63 (also referred to herein as the “recovery cycle”). In someembodiments, the exerciser 10 receives a hard copy print-out of theappropriate recovery period 63 or may access the recovery period 63 viathe Internet. In some embodiments, this information may also beavailable on display 45 located on the exercise equipment 40 (FIG. 45).

In some embodiments, the recovery period is calculated based on previousexercise results and the exerciser's prescreening medical information.In some embodiments, the recovery period is a function of an exerciser'sexercise result and the results or experience trends of other exercisersthat use the present invention's isometric contraction exercise regimen.In some instances, these other exercisers share one or morecharacteristics in common with the exerciser 10. Such characteristicsmay include health conditions, age, or gender.

Once the recovery period 63 is complete, the exerciser 10 returns to theequipment 40 to perform another set of exercises in the presence of afitness trainer. Such activity is referred to as a “subsequent exerciseappointment.” In some embodiments, the type of exercises, therepetitions, the exerciser created force, or other variables aredifferent in subsequent exercise appointments.

In some embodiments, data analysis 73 is performed once system 70receives two or more exercise results. In some instances, the forcecreated for any given exercise across multiple exercise appointments isevaluated together in order to determined changes in performance. As anexample, the force created in a specific exercise type during oneexercise appointment can be compared to the force created in an exerciseof the same exercise type during another exercise appointment and thetwo results can be evaluated together for performance changes. In someembodiments, the results of the data analysis 73 are combined with anyexercise constraints set by a physician in order to dictate changes inthe exerciser's program details. Such changes include, but are notlimited to, recovery period length 63, the amount of force created, thenumber of exercise repetitions, the type of exercises performed, theinstantaneous load/force limit, the static load/force limit, and totalexertion intensity.

In some embodiments, when an exerciser's incremental progress begins toslow, possibly from overtraining, more time can be added to the recoveryperiod 63. In such instances, for example, exercise appointments can bescheduled every other week. In some embodiments, a lower demand isplaced on the connective tissue but a similar type of momentary muscularfailure is still achieved, and the exerciser 10 is able to continuetheir strength development. Furthermore, when an exerciser 10 begins tonear their muscular genetic potential, meaning that they have developedmuscles worked by the exercise regimens of the present invention totheir fullest possible extent, maintenance of such a condition canrequire as little time as one to two appointments per month. As aresult, some embodiments of the present invention are capable of meetingthe needs of exercisers 10, in part because they will have graduallyincreasing long term goals that they can work toward and met over anextended period of time.

The present invention includes a central data processing system 70, alsoreferred to as a “central system,” that assists in the administration ofthe present invention's exercise program. Aspects of a central system inaccordance with the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In some embodiments, this central system assures one or more of thefollowing: the privacy needed for medical information, a totallydisciplined structure for all types of information collection, aconsistent manner in which prescreening medical information is collectedby appointment, and the general administration of the business,including, all reporting, accounting and electronic billing 75. In otherembodiments, the present invention's central system 70 receives its datafrom a plurality of sites via a network 50 and subsequently processes,distributes, and stores, encrypted db files 71 and extracted databasefiles 72 for future access and segmentation analysis.

In some embodiments, the present invention's communications control,application programs, database management system, and operating systemdata management reside within central system 70. Together these elementsprotect, process, store and distribute the information necessary for theoperation of the exercise program.

In some embodiments of the present invention, 50, a plurality ofexercise training sites can transmit exercisers' medical information andexercise data, including but not limited to exercise results,constraints, or goal elements, to a central data processing facilityutilizing a Network/Internet/Intranet or wireless connection 50 whilemaintaining the privacy of each exerciser's confidential data in theprocess. In some embodiments, this data is encrypted while beingtransferred.

In some embodiments, exerciser specific analysis 73 is performed whenthis data reaches central data processing system 70. In otherembodiments, this analysis 73 utilizes interactions between databases,proprietary algorithms, and standard statistical techniques commonlyused in the medical industry. In addition, in some embodiments, theresulting output information includes exerciser progress by appointment61, long term goal achievement 62, and next recovery period 63instructions. In the present invention, the prescribed recovery period63 dictates the amount of time before an exerciser can have his or hernext exercise appointment.

The ability to transmit data from a plurality of sites via a network 50may also allow the processing and storage of exercise data for eachindividual exerciser 10. In some embodiments, this data is processed andstored for each exercise an exerciser 10 performs during a trainingsession. Furthermore, the embodiments having accurate and reproducibledata collection methods are able to make and store reliable accuratedata calculations. In some embodiments, the results of these datacalculations 61, 62, and 63 are displayed so that each exerciser 10 cangraphically see their own progress.

In some embodiments, both personal trainers and other interested partiesare provided an exerciser's specific data and progress information. Inaddition, some embodiments also provide real time support for personaltrainers. In some instances, the automation and centralization of dataprocessing in the central server 70 precludes personal trainers fromchanging any data. In some embodiments, the central server′ centralprocessing functions assure that personal trainers are fully supportedby software driven help functions that permit them to address anyexercisers 10 needs correctly and consistently from a plurality ofpersonal trainers, located across a distributed network.

In some embodiments, the central system 70 also performs the necessaryaccounting and billing 75, as well as processes the broad array ofinformation needed to properly administer 76 the enterprise. Someembodiments will also interact electronically with physicians, employersof exercisers, and in certain cases the insurance carriers 77 ofexercisers. In some instances, the enterprise management team isprovided both general and medically specific information 74 supportingthe continual improvement of the present invention's program and datacollection techniques and strategies.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the centralized automatedprocessing of information, privacy control, medical risk management, andsolid state equipment 40 design are treated as one integratedadministrative system 60, 70. Furthermore, in some embodiments, theexerciser is largely oblivious to the central system that supports theplurality of solid state machines 40 and the fitness trainers thatcomprise this exercise program. In such embodiments, the exerciser 10only sees personal exercise results that are displayed on the electronicdisplay located on the equipment 40.

FIGS. 6A-6J illustrate the results for ten different exercisers thathave used the systems and methods of the present invention. For eachexerciser, the amount of force the exerciser was able to apply in eachof four different isometric contraction exercises (bench press, legpress, bent row, and dead lift) during specific exercise sessions isgraphically displayed. Furthermore, the recommended amount of recoverytime (e.g., less than a week of rest, 1 week of rest, 2 weeks of rest,3, weeks of rest, 4 weeks of rest) between exercise sessions is given.Further, forward looking advice computed using the algorithms of thepresent invention are provided. Details of one such algorithm areprovided below.

Exemplary algorithm for computing recovery time and forward lookingadvise. The exemplary algorithm described here is a compendium ofdiscreet elements (feedback options) to aid the exerciser. Thesefeedback options are displayed on the exerciser's printout of exerciseresults (e.g., FIGS. 6A-6J) and/or on their log in screen. The user'sexercise data is analyzed to dictate which feedback option isappropriate. Data considered to select a specific feedback option is (i)the results of last results from the bench press (B), leg press (L),deadlift (D), and bench row (R) isometric contraction exercises and (ii)whether progress was made or not in these specific four exercises interms of the amount of force exerted. In the tables below, “x” meansthat progress has been made in a particular isometric contractionexercise during the last exercise session relative to the exercisesession just prior to the last exercise session. Further, “o” indicatesthat no progress has been made in a particular isometric contractionexercise in the last exercise session relative to the exercise sessionjust prior to the last exercise session.

Feedback option No. 1. B L D R x x x xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making great progress in allexercises, this indicates that the time between repeating the sameexercise and the time for your entire system to recover and finishtissue fortification is at the proper level. Please note that progresslike this may continue for weeks, or possibly progress will slow down.Assuming that there is a slow down in your near future, it only meansthat you are building muscle and the larger muscles need a longer periodof time to recover.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on the current recoveryschedule.

Feedback option No. 2. B L D R ∘ x x x

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in allexercises with the exception of the Bench Press. This could simply meanfor one reason or another you had less than perfect form in theexercise, possibly you did some exhausting activity with the Bench Presstarget muscle groups which would pre-exhaust you, or even that your mindmay have not been as focused on the task at hand as in previous exercisesessions. No matter the reason for this lack of progress, as it is onlyone out of the four, and it is likely an anomaly which doesn'tnecessarily indicate overtraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 3. B L D R x ∘ x xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in allexercises with the exception of the Leg Press. This could simply meanfor one reason or another you had less than perfect form in theexercise, possibly you did some exhausting activity with the Leg Presstarget muscle groups which would pre-exhaust you, or even that your mindmay have not been as focused on the task at hand as in previous exercisesessions. No matter the reason for this lack of progress, as it is onlyone out of the four exercises, and is likely an anomaly, which doesn'tnecessarily indicate overtraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 4. B L D R x x ∘ x

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in allexercises with the exception of the Deadlift. This could simply mean forone reason or another you had less than perfect form in the exercise,possibly you did some exhausting activity with the Deadlift targetmuscle groups which would pre-exhaust you, or even that your mind mayhave not been as focused on the task at hand as in previous exercisesessions. No matter the reason for this lack of progress, as it is onlyone out of the four exercises, and is likely an anomaly, which doesn'tnecessarily indicate overtraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 5. B L D R x x x ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in allexercises with the exception of the Bent Row. This could simply mean forone reason or another you had less than perfect form in the exercise,possibly you did some exhausting activity with the Bent Row targetmuscle groups which would pre-exhaust you, or even that your mind mayhave not been as focused on the task at hand as in previous exercisesessions. No matter the reason for this lack of progress, as it is onlyone out of the four exercises, and is likely an anomaly, which doesn'tnecessarily indicate overtraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 6. B L D R ∘ ∘ x x

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in all ofyour pulling exercises, however your Pushing exercises are lagging. Thiscould mean a few things, but the highest probability is that you werejust having an off day. It is unlikely that this would indicateovertraining as the pulling exercises are progressing, and moreimportantly the muscle groups used in the leg press are the largest onesin the body they are usually the last ones to show resourceovertraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 7. B L D R ∘ x ∘ xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the LegPress and in the Row, however no progress in the Bench Press and theDeadlift. The most likely explanation for this is either multiplelocation specific issues, as in a sore shoulder and a pain in the lowerback. This pattern is both unlikely and not indicative of overtraining.Your advisor should take note of this lack or progress and take specialcare to observe your exercise form.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 8. B L D R ∘ x x ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the LegPress and in the Deadlift, however no progress in the Bench Press andthe Row. This could be an indication of localized overtraining. Both theBench Press and the Row use much smaller muscle groups than the Deadliftand Leg Press do. Therefore you may be doing something in everyday lifethat is exhausting your upper-body and thereby halting potentialdevelopment. Unless you feel that this is an anomaly caused by poor formor a lack of focus it is advisable that you take more time to recoverbetween exercise sessions.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

Feedback option No. 9. B L D R x ∘ ∘ x

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the BenchPress and in the Row, however no progress in the Leg Press and theDeadlift. This isn't necessarily a common situation due to the Leg Pressand Deadlift utilizing larger muscle groups, they are usually the lastgroups to indicate overtraining. This situation doesn't indicateovertraining and could possibly indicate a back soreness or injury. Ifthis trend continues it would be advisable to look at some of theactivities that you partake in during an average week that could beexhausting your lower body.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 10. B L D R x ∘ x ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the BenchPress and in the Deadlift, however no progress in the Leg Press and theRow. This isn't necessarily a common situation and it is not possiblethat these two things are connected. It is possible that your generalenergy level is down and you are not in the best frame of mind whenexercising. This situation doesn't look to be overtraining and youshould maintain your present schedule of exercise.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 11. B L D R x x ∘ ∘

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in all ofyour Push exercises, however your Pull exercises are lagging. This couldmean a few things, but the highest probability is that you were justhaving an off day. It is unlikely that this would indicate overtrainingas the pulling exercises are progressing, and more importantly themuscle groups used in the leg press are the largest ones in the bodythey are usually the last ones to show resource overtraining.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Feedback option No. 12. B L D R x ∘ ∘ ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are only making progress in theBench Press. This could indicate getting over an illness or possibly ageneral lack of energy for one reason or another, however this mostlikely means that you are overtraining. It would be advisable that youadd more time between your exercise sessions. This will give you moretime to recover, and enable you to make progress once both initialrecovery and tissue fortification have taken place.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

Feedback option No. 13. B L D R ∘ x ∘ ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are only making progress in theLeg Press. This could indicate getting over an illness or possibly ageneral lack of energy for one reason or another, however this mostlikely means that you are overtraining. It would be advisable that youadd more time between your exercise sessions. This will give you moretime to recover, and enable you to make progress once both initialrecovery and tissue fortification have taken place.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

Feedback option No. 14. B L D R ∘ ∘ x ∘

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are only making progress in theDeadlift. This could indicate getting over an illness or possibly ageneral lack of energy for one reason or another, however this mostlikely means that you are overtraining. It would be advisable that youadd more time between your exercise sessions. This will give you moretime to recover, and enable you to make progress once both initialrecovery and tissue fortification have taken place.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

Feedback option No. 15. B L D R ∘ ∘ ∘ xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are only making progress in theRow. This could indicate getting over an illness or possibly a generallack of energy for one reason or another, however this most likely meansthat you are overtraining. It would be advisable that you add more timebetween your exercise sessions. This will give you more time to recover,and enable you to make progress once both initial recovery and tissuefortification have taken place.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

Feedback option No. 16. B L D R ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are not making progress in anyof the exercises. This is usually simply an indication of overtraining,all that is necessary is to allow for both the entire body system andthe specific muscles longer to go through the initial recovers, thenthrough the tissue fortification phase.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to add extra recovery time into theexercise schedule.

When an exerciser takes a week off that isn't necessarily scheduled, oradds a week of rest time in between workouts, the analysis of the firsttime exercising after the break must only look at the current session incomparison to what was done in the session before where the sameexercises were performed. For example, if an exerciser is on the splitprogram where the exerciser does the Push exercises one week, then thePull the following week, and then takes a vacation and skips a week,analysis of exercises that took place before the vacation would ignorethe excess recovery variable, and hence should not be considered.

After extra recovery time, option No. 1. B L D R — — x xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in both theDeadlift and in the Row. As the recovery variables have changed sinceyour last Push session there is no need to analyze those results.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

After extra recovery time, option No. 2. B L D R — — ∘ xThe message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the Row,however not in the Deadlift. This most likely means you have some injurythat possibly you aren't completely aware of. This would indicate thatyou are compensating while you are doing the Deadlift and that iskeeping you from taking the exercise to failure. The Deadlift must bepaid close attention to the next time you do it to take special note ofyour exercise form. As the recovery variables have changed since yourlast Push session there is no need to analyze those results.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

After extra recovery time, option No. 3. B L D R — — ∘ ∘The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou did not make progress in yourPull exercises. As you have just had extra recovery time overtraining isnot likely, however IS a possibility. It is recommended that youcontinue on your prescribed schedule unless this lack of progresscontinues to your next session. In that case a clear indication ofovertraining will be made and you must add more time between exercisesessions. As the recovery variables have changed since your last Pushsession there is no need to analyze those results.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

After extra recovery time, option No. 4. B L D R x x — —The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in both theBench Press and in the Leg Press. As the recovery variables have changedsince your last Pull session there is no need to analyze those results.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

After extra recovery time, option No. 5. B L D R ∘ x — —

The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou are making progress in the BenchPress, however not in the Leg Press. This most likely means you havesome injury, that you possibly you aren't completely aware of. Thiswould indicate that you are compensating for while you are doing theBench Press that is keeping you from taking the exercise to failure. TheBench Press must be paid close attention to the next time you do it totake special note of your exercise form. As the recovery variables havechanged since your last Pull session there is no need to analyze thoseresults.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

After extra recovery time, option No. 6. B L D R ∘ ∘ — —The message to the exerciser is: “[y]ou did not make progress in yourPush exercises. As you have just had extra recovery time overtraining isnot likely, however IS a possibility. It is recommended that youcontinue on your prescribed schedule unless this lack of progresscontinues to your next session. In that case a clear indication ofovertraining will be made and you must add more time between exercisesessions. As the recovery variables have changed since your last Pullsession there is no need to analyze those results.”

The suggestion to the exerciser is to stay on current recovery schedule.

Additional Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention involving an automated health riskmanaged system for physical development, also referred to as an“exercise program and administrative system,” have been described above.What follows is more description of such systems and methods as well asoptional embodiments encompassing the same.

In general, the systems and methods of the present invention employ ascience based, solid state, data driven physical development technologyprogram that provides interested parties, referred by physicians, andothers, in selected locations, a novel and inherently safer method offitness and strength training/testing. Primary health risk factors areused to screen for unacceptable injury risk, both initially and on anongoing basis. For those exercisers that satisfy these prescreen tests,highly accurate and repeatable strength test results are derived in aprivate setting with a personal trainer. Such results are transmitted,preferably in an encrypted manner, and analyzed by a central processor.Such analysis allows for a scientifically based incremental developmentprogram maximizing the balance between sufficient muscle stress forstimulating muscle development/strength and the optimal muscle tissuerecovery time period needed between ongoing isometric training sessions.

The present invention provides an exceedingly safe, life long, healthfitness and strength building exercise system. In some embodiments ofthe invention, there is an enterprise wide system of custom designedfitness equipment and custom designed software. The equipment is of asolid state design, with no moving parts, virtually eliminatingtraditional fitness equipment related exerciser injuries. Thecentralized software utilizes highly accurate medical information andhighly accurate fitness equipment data collected from each exerciser, toanalyze, plan, manage, and report to each exerciser their progressagainst pre-stated goals, thereby maintaining their interest and lifelong commitment to better health through improved strength and fitness.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a closed loop, fullyintegrated, and complete health and fitness solution including anexercise program and administrative system to support a medical sciencebased injury avoidance and long term strength building enterprise. Insome instances, this embodiment provides a model by which high levels ofequipment utilization, limited floor space, and a highly distributedsystem effectively reach larger populations of maturing adults. It alsomay have a highly structured data collection and processing capability,allowing more and more science based analysis of trends among larger andlarger populations of exercisers, consistently resulting in improvedanalysis at the individual exerciser level.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide servers that mirrorother servers, thereby protecting all enterprise data in a manner thatcould not be achieved economically without the plurality of sitesconnecting via a network to a central data center. Some embodiments ofthe present invention also provide a health science based service thatcan be supported by employers and insurance carriers as part of theircommitment to improved preventative medical care for a maturingpopulation.

Another aspect of the present invention is its family of solid statefitness machines that constitute a training/testing sub-system,utilizing non injury designs, and strain gauges for force measuring anddata collection, combined with a personal trainer in a private setting,providing the proper medical focus on all aspects of the presentinvention. In some instances, the data collection is highly accurate andhighly reproducible, allowing precise analysis and reporting ofincremental progress, providing long term progress reporting againstspecifically stated goals, and permitting modulation of each exercisersrecovery process.

In addition, some embodiments of the present invention include custombuilt exercise machines, employing no moving components, therebyeliminating equipment failures that often result when traditionalfitness equipment is utilized in typical fitness centers. In some cases,the present invention may also have enclosed adjusting mechanisms toaccommodate differing anatomical characteristics of exercisers withoutallowing exercisers any access to adjusting mechanisms and therebyavoiding injury. In some instances, the adjusting mechanisms may havebeen load tested and calibrated to automatically compensate for everyexerciser's anatomical differences, such that the performance parametersmeasured remain accurate, allowing scientifically accepted practices tobe employed in the analyses performed for each exerciser, and theutilization of all data from the plurality of exercisers to be used inbroad based group/type analysis. The present invention may also have asimple equipment design that precludes an exerciser from making an errorresulting in injury. The invention may also only have concentricisometric loading that thereby eliminates eccentric contraction andassociated injuries.

In some cases, the present invention's solid state design eliminates thepotential for stored energy so that the exerciser can only experienceloads or forces that they alone apply with that energy immediately andcompletely dissipating once the voluntary contraction ceases. In otherinstances, the solid state design does not permit any load to be appliedto an exerciser that the exerciser cannot handle, because the load/forceapplied is applied by the exerciser.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a plurality of solidstate machines, all of which are new in design concept, and utilizehighly accurate training/testing measuring technology, not associatedwith traditional workout equipment. It may also include highly accurateload cells to measure exerciser applied forces, times, and cycles,resulting in accurate data from a plurality of exercisers to beprocessed for further use in adjusting an exercisers fitness program andprescribed recovery schedule.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide customized exerciserprograms to meet physician objectives, as well as exerciser goals. Insome instances, the invention also has the ability to eliminate a fullrange of motion and the injuries that typically result from traditionalfull range of motion fitness equipment. The equipment may also have thecapacity to work all major muscle groups and thereby accomplish a fullbody workout bring the major muscle groups to failure.

In some embodiments of the present invention, encrypted medical data,exercise data, and administrative information necessary to support theexercise program is communicated via a network. Some embodiments of thepresent invention also include the consistent application of equipmentand technology among a plurality of sites thereby allowing anyindividual exerciser to utilize any machine at any location and generatetraining/testing results that are equipment and site independent, thuspermitting individuals to engage in the program of the present inventionirrespective of where they may be located at any particular time.

Another aspect of the present invention is the automated and centralizedenterprise wide processing center system, also referred to herein as the“central system”, that provides privacy for exerciser medicalinformation, disciplined analysis of exercise data, and accuratereporting to each exerciser of progress in the program, while at thesame time allowing for an information management system providing allinformation and data services required for the efficient and successfuloperation of the enterprise.

In some instances, the central system has the feature of receiving via anetwork all of the encrypted medical data, exercise data, andadministrative information necessary to support the methods of thepresent invention. It may also have the capacity to store encryptedmedical files as well as extracted files and to interface with theoperating system data management to support processing and reporting.The central system may also include an electronic prescreening featureas one element of the user interface for every exerciser appointment,further assuring that an exerciser cannot proceed without meetingcertain designated health preconditions. Furthermore, the central systemmay also have the capacity to process exerciser health information, andtraining/testing data creating an exerciser specific fitness program,providing exerciser reports used to define safety constraints and goalsfor future exercise and recovery.

In addition, in some embodiments, the central system has the criticalcapability of calculating the prescribed recovery period for eachseparate exerciser, based on personalized data balanced againstexperience trends measured among other exercisers with various similarcharacteristics, such as health conditions, age, and gender among manycharacteristics. Moreover, the central system may also have thecapacity, based on data base information, displayed on a user interface,to provide each exerciser with comments, on incremental fitnessprogress, as well as against long term goals. In some cases, the centralserver can also generate graphical displays showing incremental, andlong term progress in terms that are understandable and comparable overyears of strength building and strength maintenance.

Another feature of the central system is the capacity of providing to aplurality of sites, and designated centralized locations, the enterprisewide management information required for efficient operation, andcompliance with standard medical practices, and laws affecting thebusiness operations. In some cases, the present invention also includesinteractive electronic information tools available at a plurality ofsites as well as designated centralized business functions, theadministrative information essential to operating an enterprise withcentralized processing and distributed operations.

Yet another feature of the central system is the presence of a networkof sites connected to a server based family of computer programs thatavoid the unreasonable maintenance burden that would exist if aplurality of sites were required to install and maintain operationalprograms locally. In some cases the plurality of sites may be able toaccess the centralized support services for updates, and operationschanges via a browser.

Another aspect of the central server is its ability to utilize thehighly accurate strain gauge measurement data to calculate accurateresults with precision. In addition, the central server may also be ableto monitor participation in and compliance with a prescribed (by aphysician) and/or paid for program of exercise (by an employer or otherinterested party) thereby providing accurate and ongoing feedback tothose interested parties responsible for the physical and/or financialsupport of the exerciser.

In some embodiments, the central server may also include the necessaryaccounting and billing functions required for billing employers,insurance carriers, individual exercisers, and other parties. In someinstances, the central server will also have the necessary functionalinterfaces to support automatic credit card debiting and AutomatedClearing House (ACH) electronic funds transfers to facilitate allbilling of exercisers for services and goods, eliminating the need forany personal trainer and his/her exerciser to become involved personallyin any financial transactions at a plurality of sites. The centralserver may also include additional financial functions necessary forfull support of accounting, enterprise finance, regulatory complianceand general enterprise administration.

In some embodiments, the central server health information collectionsub-system that prescreens each exerciser before any exercises areperformed, to determine the exerciser's suitability for the program andto provide specific constraints that any particular exerciser mayrequire to maintain safety. In some instances, the automated centralsystem provides privacy for medical data, and access for incrementalexerciser data, to support the processing and reporting of progressagainst goals, and prescribed recovery.

In some instances, medical criteria also determine, define, and/orconstrain the appointment by appointment exercise regimens in thepresent invention and prescribe the appropriate recovery period for eachindividual exerciser. In some examples, the exercise regimen is uniqueto the exerciser and not selected from a family of standard programs.The present invention may also have an online video support feature inthe form of help, and training/testing results, for both the exerciserand the personal trainer assisting the exerciser.

The present invention also includes services offered to physicians andtheir patients, to specifically define pre-operative strength buildingprograms as an aid to facilitating post operative recovery. In otherembodiments, the present invention includes services that set long-termexerciser goals that can be met over a period of years, thereby avoidingthe exceedingly short-term commitments exercisers have demonstrated whenusing traditional fitness industry equipment, facilities, and programs.

CONCLUSION

Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention butmerely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the invention.It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention includes otherembodiments not discussed in detail above. Various other modifications,changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in theart may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methodand apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

The present invention can be implemented as a computer program productthat comprises a computer program mechanism embedded in a computerreadable storage medium. For instance, the computer program productcould contain the program modules of FIG. 5. These program modules canbe stored in a CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk storage product, or any othercomputer readable data or program storage product. The software modulesin the computer program product may also be distributed electronically,via the Internet or otherwise, by transmission of a computer data signal(in which the software modules are embedded) on a carrier wave.

No element, component or method step is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether the element, component or method step isexplicitly recited in the claims.

1. A method of facilitating a fully contracted exercise regimen for asubject, the method comprising: (A) receiving medical health informationof said subject; (B) developing one or more exercise constraints as afunction of the medical health information of said subject; (C)receiving the one or more exercise constraints at an exercise apparatus,the apparatus comprising a strain gauge; (D) imposing or monitoring withthe strain gauge the one or more exercise constraints during thesubject's performance of a plurality of fully contracted exercises usingthe exercise apparatus in the presence of a fitness trainer or healthprofessional who is not assigned to any other subjects during this step;(E) computing an exercise result, the exercise result comprisinginformation about a force measured by the strain gauge during thesubject's performance of the plurality of fully contracted exercises;(F) based upon the exercise result, determining a mandatory recoveryperiod for said subject after step (D) during which time said subject isnot to perform said plurality of fully contracted exercises; (G) basedupon the exercise result, developing one or more refined exerciseconstraints; and (H) repeating steps (D) and (E) based on the one ormore refined exercise constraints.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein anexercise constraint in said one or more exercise constraints is anamount of force that can be used in a fully contracted exercise in saidplurality of fully contracted exercises.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein an exercise constraint in said one or more exercise constraintsis a maximum amount of repetitions of a fully contracted exercise insaid plurality of fully contracted exercises.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein said mandatory recovery time is a function of the exerciseresult.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said exercise result comprisesa length of time that said subject was able to exert the force during afully contracted exercise in said plurality of fully contractedexercises.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said exercise resultcomprises an amount of the force that said subject was able to exertduring a fully contracted exercise in said plurality of fully contractedexercises.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein step D is accomplished infive minutes or less.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the exerciseequipment provides visual feedback of said exercise result.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said fully contracted exercise regimen worksa plurality of muscle groups of said subject thereby accomplishing afull body stimulation.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a fullycontracted exercise in said plurality of fully contracted exercisesstresses a muscle group to a point of failure.
 11. The method of claim1, further comprising communicating via a network all or a portion ofthe exercise constraints and exercise results in an encrypted manner toa central system.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein a length of time ofthe mandatory recovery period is a function of said exercise result andan experience trend measured among other subjects that use said fullycontracted exercise regimen, wherein said other subjects have one ormore characteristics in common with said subject.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, the method further comprising: sending accounting and billinginformation relating to said fully contracted exercise regimen for saidsubject to a central data store and to also electronically interact witha physician of the subject, an employer of the subject, or an insurancecarrier of the subject.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof fully contracted exercises comprises one or more bench presses, oneor more leg presses, one or more bent rows, and one or more deadlifts.15. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise result comprisesdevelopment of skeletal muscle in said subject.
 16. The method of claim1, wherein the subject is in a fully contracted position during anentirety of a fully contracted exercise in the plurality of fullycontracted exercises.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein an exerciseconstraint in said one or more exercise constraints is a maximum amountof force of a fully contracted exercise in said plurality of fullycontracted exercises.